Robert James Carey, 65, of Harlan, Iowa
Robert James Carey passed away at his home in Harlan on November 21, 2024. Bob was born July 25, 1959, to Phil and Alice Carey who lived on a farm near Panama, Iowa. He attended St. Mary’s Grade School in Panama. His Catholic education and upbringing were important to him throughout his life.
Bob graduated from Harlan High School in 1977. He attended Iowa State University on a full ROTC scholarship, graduating in 1981. He was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army and served for four years. He then moved to San Antonio where he lived most of his life.
In 2016, Bob returned to Harlan to serve as caregiver for his mother. He enjoyed keeping statistics for the Harlan Cyclones’ baseball and football teams. Most recently, he drove a bus for the Southwest Iowa Transit Agency, driving the night circuit to take workers to their places of employment.
Bob was a sports junkie and played baseball for the Panama team. He had an amazing memory for vintage sit-com tv and cartoon shows. He had a fun sense of humor and enjoyed making his family members laugh.
Bob was a member of St. Michael’s parish in Harlan and served for a time as a Eucharistic minister for Elmcrest retirement community.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Phil and Alice Carey, and one brother, John. He has three surviving siblings: Dan in Sun City West, AZ, Mike in Newland, North Carolina and Jane Arnaud in Spring Hill, FL.
He will be missed by two nieces and five nephews who enjoyed their Frunkie Bob.
A memorial service will be planned in the summer.
